Process for producing optically active amines

Abstract

Disclosed is a process for producing an optically active amine represented by the formula (IV) ##STR1## wherein R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 each denote an alkyl group, aryl group or aralkyl group, providing that they do not denote the same group at the same time, and * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom, which comprises reacting an asymmetric reducing agent obtained from (1) an optically active amine derivative represented by the formula (I) ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 denotes an alkyl group, aryl group or aralkyl group; R.sub.2 denotes a hydrogen atom, alkyl group or aralkyl group; R.sub.3 denotes an aryl group or a substituent represented by the formula (II) ##STR3## wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 each denote a hydrogen atom, aryl group or aralkyl group, and * is as defined above, (2) a metal borohydride and (3) sulfuric acid, with either the syn-isomer or the anti-isomer of an oxime derivative represented by the formula (III) or with a mixture rich in either one of the two isomers ##STR4## wherein R.sub.6 denotes an alkyl group, aralkyl group or alkyl-substituted silyl group, and R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 are as defined above. The optically active amine obtained can be used as a resolving agent for preparing medicinal agents, agricultural chemicals, or intermediates thereof.